I have been into computers since MSX days. My main reason is for music writing and arranging. I am getting a bit fed up with PCs and want to get back to Macintosh. I bought the latest iMac air and found to my horror it will not accept my programs like Encore and Band in a box. I returned it to supplier and am now searching for a second hand Mac that will handle these programs. Can someone advise me what to look for?Deigh

I have version 5.0.5 and a previous one 1996 vintage which I would have to run to tell version. I think it was 4. Anyway it is irrelevant because I can download latest version from internet. Same applies to band in a box where I have 2004/5/8 and mac version11Deigh

Looks like you'll be after a G3, G4 or maybe even a G5 PPC (PowerPC) Mac. Apple changed to Intel CPU's a while ago and the earlier ones which can run OSX version 10.4.4 to 10.6 can run PPC programs but this was removed in 10.7.

I'm trying to join a forum where I could get even more help but they have a portal which i cant climb. They are asking What kind of processors were used in 68k Macs and I dont know the answer.Please help me someone. I am not a robot, here is some of my blood ............Deigh

Deigh wrote:I'm trying to join a forum where I could get even more help but they have a portal which i cant climb. They are asking What kind of processors were used in 68k Macs and I dont know the answer.Please help me someone. I am not a robot, here is some of my blood ............Deigh

Have purchased a G$4 OSX 10.5.8 Also purchased a disc that I expected to install OS 9 .2.1 on it. But it didn't! I have done something wrong here, how can I get a classic environment onto this computer?Deigh

Deigh, you're going to need to be a lot more specific about the model of "G4" you've bought. This "the Mac just works" expectation (heh!) that some people have comes at a cost. Extremely limited compatibility lists and brutal end-of-life policies - and you're talking about a transitional period where OS9 was being phased out and OS-X was being introduced. Only SOME models were allowed compatibility with OS9 during it's sunset years, and even then it was usually a specific version of OS9.

Have a good look on your machine and see if you can find a nameplate... Then have a look through this OS9 compatibility page and see if you can find your model.

Assuming you have a"PowerMac" not an iMac G4... PowerMac G4: How to differentiate between models (part 1 and part 2)

What a hornets nest I have waked into! thanks for that mass of info.Being fed up with PC's instability I tried to get back into Macintosh to run my music programs like Encore. Bought the latest Macair and found it not compatible. Got the firm to take it back and started looking for an older machine on Trade me. Got a MacBook pro OSX 10.6.8 and found this wasn't any good. Advice said get a G4 so....Purchased a Ibook G4 OSX 10.5.8 and found this wasn't right. Look for a classic environment was the new advice. But most old Macs are being sold by agents who havn't the faintest idea about the machine they are selling.Latest advice is G3/4/5 PowerBook 10.4.4 to 10.6. Is this the right thing to do?Deigh